Engagement works best when it is done with creatively and linked to cultural activitity. For example., cultural events and activities can help create a sense of identity for the area. When done well, it can attract attention and create a buzz within the community. The more creative the event is, the more likely local people will be involved in organising and delivering it . In turn, the event will then be more likely to attract support from partners and local organisations.
For it to be successful, the event or activity should be driven by local people’s ideas and aspirations and also located in a space or venue that is well regarded and used by local people for example a local park or community centre. This will help ensure that it is accessible and will also help to create a sense of pride as well as establishing community ownership.
To celebrate and promote the end of the EC1 New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme in a way that excited and motivated local people we devised and implemented two innovative public art projects in the streets, parks and estates across the EC1 area.
EC1 Virgin Media Cabinets Trail saw ordinarily inconspicuous Virgin Media cabinets transformed with works of art created by school children, businesses, artists, and community groups and EC1 Storeys saw residents’ personal and individual stories about the area depicted in scenes in house shaped boxes which were mounted in trees in public spaces.
The result was that for the final four months of the NDC programme, the streets, parks and estates were filled with unusual works of art which not only brightened up the area, but also became a talking point amongst local people and helped create a sense of identity. The head teacher at one of the schools who took part claims their painted Virgin Media cabinet is now a landmark for identifying the school.
EC1 NDC also delivered an annual Summer Festival which was based in one of the bigger parks in the area. The NDC managed the organisation of the event and the production of publicity materials, but ensured it was still very much community-led. The Summer Festival involved local residents at each stage of its planning A community-led steering group deciding on the design and scope of the event and how the publicity should look and feel. It also involved local schools and clubs, with children working alongside local artists to develop the branding for the event.
